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38-44 Loads

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Sun, 05/20/2012 - 20:05
Amityslim
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Joined: 01/09/2012

I've been reading up on handloads for the 38-44. I'm hoping for something with reasonable pressure, a 150-160 gr cast SWC HP, maybe around 1100 +/- 50 fps out of a 4" Heavy Duty. Wanna be nice to a 65 year old gun, but it needs to remember it's a Heavy Duty, too. If this is a reasonable goal, does anybody have a tried-and-true recommendation?
 
Thanks!

Keith
NRA Benefactor Life

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Sat, 05/26/2012 - 17:29
#1
Amityslim
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Joined: 01/09/2012
Note to Self

Keith, when nobody replies to a load question you have,  read "Taffin Tests." Then tell yourself what you read.

Keith
NRA Benefactor Life

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Sun, 05/27/2012 - 17:16
#2
gunsmith
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Joined: 12/16/2010
load for 38-44

Elmer Keith loaded it with 13.5 grains 2400 with a 158 grain bullet, hard cast. Regular Reminton primer. WW brass. Bullet cast hard with lots of graphite put into the bullet lube. Bullet sized 2 thou. over groove diameter. Best bullet to use is Elmers 358421. If  you use his 172 grain bullet, then 12 grains 2400 will be used. Both are available from Lyman. Hope this helps

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Sun, 05/27/2012 - 19:49
#3
Amityslim
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Joined: 01/09/2012
Thanks

Gunsmith,  will try when I get back from a trip. Pretty much the same as the XTP load you gave me for a moderate .357 mag round,  which I like a lot.  Thanks again.
Keith

Keith
NRA Benefactor Life

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